Stories from the Vaults Season 1 Episode 2 Superlatives

Stories from the Vaults is a captivating documentary series that explores the most interesting and rare items from the archives of various museums and cultural institutions across the United States. In season one, episode two, titled Superlatives, viewers are taken on a journey through some of the most unique and outstanding artifacts in the Smithsonian Institution's vast collection.

The episode begins with an introduction into the world of superlatives, explaining how human beings are always fascinated by the biggest, the smallest, the oldest, and the newest. The Smithsonian truly embodies this fascination by collecting some of the most remarkable objects in the world, and the variety of items that are showcased in this episode is truly remarkable.

One of the most impressive objects introduced in this episode is the Hope Diamond, which is perhaps the most famous gemstone in the world. With a history dating back to the 17th century, the Hope Diamond has been owned by royalty, socialites, and even thieves. The diamond is now on permanent display in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, where it is viewed by millions of visitors each year.

Another item of note in this episode is the world's smallest Bible, which was printed in the late 19th century with the aid of a microscope. The tiny book measures just 1.5 cm by 1.5 cm and contains the entire text of the King James Bible. Seeing the incredibly minuscule print is truly stunning and makes one appreciate the incredible technology involved in its creation.

The episode also explores some of the Smithsonian's oldest and most historic artifacts, including the Joseph Henry papers. Joseph Henry was the first director of the Smithsonian, and his personal papers provide an intimate glimpse into his life and work. In addition to the papers themselves, the episode also highlights some of Henry's scientific instruments, which are a testament to his groundbreaking research in the fields of electricity and magnetism.

Another area of focus in this episode is the Smithsonian's collection of space and aviation artifacts. Viewers can see the original Wright Flyer, the first aircraft to achieve sustained flight, as well as the Apollo 11 command module, which was used during the first moon landing. The episode also explores some of the strange and unusual objects that have been sent into space, such as a pack of M&Ms, a can of Coke, and a slice of pizza.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to fascinating anecdotes and stories about each artifact. For example, we learn about how the Hope Diamond was once owned by French King Louis XIV and was later stolen during the French Revolution. We also discover how the Wright brothers tested their planes by flying them over the sand dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

In addition to the main artifacts, the episode also showcases some lesser-known objects that are just as interesting. For example, viewers can see a sample of Martian soil that was collected by the NASA rover, Spirit, as well as a pair of slippers that were worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz.

Overall, Stories from the Vaults: Superlatives is a fascinating look at some of the most impressive artifacts in the Smithsonian Institution's collection. From the incredibly small to the incredibly large, from the ancient to the modern, there is truly something for everyone in this episode. Whether you are a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply curious about the world around us, this episode is sure to captivate and inspire you.